Sagamihara City Introduces Reduced Meal Cost Support for National Health Insurance Beneficiaries in Non-Taxable Households
Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture – In a move aimed at further supporting residents facing financial challenges, Sagamihara City has announced the introduction of a reduced meal cost (standard burden) certification for National Health Insurance (Kokuhoken) beneficiaries who are part of a citizen tax-exempt household and are hospitalized. This new initiative, published on July 29, 2025, at 15:05, is designed to alleviate the financial burden of inpatient medical care for those in vulnerable economic situations.
For National Health Insurance beneficiaries who are certified as belonging to a citizen tax-exempt household, the standard burden amount for meal costs during hospitalization will now be reduced. This reduction is a key component of the city’s commitment to ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all its residents.
Understanding the “Standard Burden” of Meal Costs
When a patient is hospitalized, they are typically required to pay a portion of the cost of their meals. This portion is referred to as the “standard burden amount.” This amount is standardized nationally and aims to contribute to the overall cost of inpatient care. However, for individuals and families facing economic hardship, even this standard amount can represent a significant expense.
Eligibility and Application Process
To benefit from this new reduction, National Health Insurance beneficiaries must meet the criteria of belonging to a citizen tax-exempt household. The specific conditions for being considered a tax-exempt household are determined by the local tax laws and are typically based on factors such as income levels and the number of dependents.
While the specific details of the application process are being finalized and will be communicated by the city, it is generally expected that eligible individuals will need to apply for a “reduced meal cost certification” (食事療養費標準負担額減額認定証 – Shokuji Ryōyōhi Hyōjun Futan Gaku Gengaku Nintei Shō). This certification will likely need to be presented to the hospital at the time of admission or during treatment to receive the reduced rate.
Benefits and Impact
This initiative is expected to provide tangible financial relief to a segment of Sagamihara City’s population that may be particularly susceptible to the costs associated with unexpected hospitalizations. By lowering the daily meal expense during inpatient stays, the city aims to reduce the overall financial strain on these households, allowing them to focus more on their recovery.
The announcement underscores Sagamihara City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its social welfare system and ensure that no resident is unduly burdened by essential healthcare costs. Further information regarding the specific eligibility criteria, the application procedure, and any necessary documentation will be made available through official Sagamihara City channels, including their website and public announcements. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about this valuable support system.
【国保・給付】市民税非課税世帯である国民健康保険の被保険者が入院した場合の、食事療養費標準負担額の減額認定について知りたい。
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相模原市 published ‘【国保・給付】市民税非課税世帯である国民健康保険の被保険者が入院した場合の、食事療養費標準負担額の減額認定について知りたい。’ at 2025-07-29 15:05. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.